Mundubbera nurse wins leadership award

A MUNDUBBERA nurse who began her career in Brisbane and returned to the North Burnett, working first in Eidsvold, then her hometown hospital, has won the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service's Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award in the rural category.

Mundubbera Hospital's Alicia Tully said the award was "humbling”.

"It's a really lovely surprise (to be recognised) as it's just something you do because it's your job.”

She said she has always been passionate about health, caring for others and "being there on someone's bad day”.

Mrs Tully said she has a passion for emergency work and also aged care.

While she enjoyed her time at Princess Alexandra Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, she said nothing can beat working at home in a small town.

"It's really nice to work in the community and be a part of it,” Mrs Tully said.

But isn't it tough having to see people you know in compromising, sometimes even life-threatening situations?

"I don't see it as a downfall, I see it more as an asset,” Mrs Tully said.

"They know you and feel comfortable with you.

"You know where they live, you know their family, you know what they're like.”

For her efforts, Mrs Tully won a trip to Tasmania, where she will spend four nights in Hobart at the National Nursing Forum from August 21-23.

She'll turn the trip into a working holiday.

Mundubbera Hospital director of nursing Jan-Adele Hotz said she nominated Mrs Tully "because she consistently exemplifies the values and actions of a true leader”.

"Alicia is passionate about providing a high standard of nursing care and encourages her peers to do so also,” Ms Hotz said.

"She provides strong and reliable leadership, accepting nothing but the best from her colleagues.

"Alicia consistently advocates for her patients regardless of their situation.”

Ms Hotz said Mrs Tully was always mindful of workplace culture, acknowledging good culture flows on to good patient care.

The awards are given annually as part of the service's International Nurses Day (May 12) and International Day of the Midwife (May 5) and were held this year at Biggenden Hospital.